14 DAY TRIAL // Windows Threshold will bring quite a lot of major changes, including a brand new Start Menu that would join the Start button in its mission to make the operating system look more familiar.
A report coming from ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley claims that Microsoft will actually launch three different versions of Windows Threshold, each with a different purpose.
First of all, Microsoft will release a consumer build focused on the Modern UI and the desktop that will be based on a similar feature lineup as the existing Windows 8.1 operating system. The report claims that Microsoft could also bring it on ARM and Intel devices, including Redmond’s very own tablets, with all updates to be delivered via the integrated Windows Store.
This would be the core Windows Threshold version that will be aimed at users of most of its devices, including Windows Phones, tablets, phablets and even PCs.
The so-called traditional consumer version of Windows Threshold would be specifically designed to compete in the PC market and act just like all the other Windows versions launched before Windows 8.
They will comprise improvements for the desktop, as well as a brand new Start Menu supposed to make the whole operating system look a bit more familiar.
Last but not least, the enterprise version of Windows Threshold will be aimed at businesses and will pack features designed for this consumer segment, such as support for group policies, device management, and others.
As you can see, a Windows RT version is missing from the lineup, but Microsoft has already hinted that its tablet operating system could be at some point merged with Windows Phone.
Windows Threshold is expected to launch in early 2015, even though some people familiar with the matter also hinted that a potential late 2014 release is also possible.